Houthi Drone Strikes Eilat, Injuring at Least 22; Israel Vows Retaliation

Drone Attack Rocks Eilat, Injuring Dozens

The southern Israeli city of Eilat was targeted on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, by a drone launched from Yemen by Houthi rebels. The attack resulted in at least 22 people wounded, with two individuals sustaining serious injuries. The drone struck near a shopping area in the city center, causing panic and damage. Emergency services, including Magen David Adom, swiftly responded to the scene, evacuating the injured to local hospitals, primarily Yoseftal Medical Center in Eilat and Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba for the seriously wounded.

Initial reports indicated that the drone, identified as a 'kamikaze drone,' was detected late, and Israeli air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, failed to intercept it. Military officials are investigating the failure, with early assessments suggesting the drone's low altitude may have contributed to its evasion of detection and interception. This incident marks the second successful drone attack on Eilat within a week.

Official Reactions and Houthi Claims

Following the attack, Israeli officials issued strong condemnations and vows of retaliation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that 'Any attack on Israel's cities will be met with a harsh and painful blow against the Huthi terror regime.' Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment, stating on X that 'The Houthi terrorists refuse to learn from Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza, and will learn the hard way. Whoever harms Israel will be harmed sevenfold.'

Eilat Mayor Eli Lankri called for a thorough investigation into the failed interception and urged the government to 'strike the Houthis hard.' Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar acknowledged the interception failure, pledging to 'investigate the interception failure, learn and improve,' while assuring residents that there was 'no new threat' and normal activity should continue.

The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the strike, with military spokesman Yahya Saree stating that they had launched two drones at 'two separate targets' in Eilat, and that the operation 'successfully achieved its objectives.' Israeli authorities confirmed only one drone hit the city.

Broader Context and Retaliatory Strikes

This drone attack is part of a series of assaults by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels against Israel, which they claim are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict. The Houthis have also targeted international shipping in the Red Sea.

In response to the Eilat strike, Israel conducted retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen on Thursday, September 25, 2025. These strikes targeted military camps and destroyed stockpiles of drones and weapons. Houthi-run health authorities reported that at least two people were killed and 48 others wounded in the Israeli airstrikes on the Houthi-held capital of Sanaa.